Okay, so, I did use the search thingie, I'm sorry if this has been asked, but that thing didn't find anything useful, either.

What does everyone think? Are they useless and boring, do they catch the eye, do you like, do you not like? Is there anything about an original character that has to be just so, do they have to be related to anything? Is seeing them at cons inspiring or just annoying? What makes a good one? What makes a bad one? What kind of things would appeal to one as an original character?

I was thinking about doing one, being the reason I asked- I will NOT be wearing Paine's costume all day, that is uncomfortable, and I do not belong in high heels, or purple lip gloss.
But the concept of walking around in something I came up with, and is entirely fantastic (in the sense of fantasy), and so on and so forth- it terrifies me. ^ ^

What's anyone else think?

Faust-ni-gami

03-17-2007, 01:57 AM

an original character marks who you are. i mean, i'm going to cosplay as well.. myself in a sense (see SN). if you really want to stand out, go original.

ReiHari

03-17-2007, 02:02 AM

I think when an original character really stands out most is when it's a fursuit. I mean, altogether I'm impressed by fursuits, but when someone takes the time to actually take a character and put it into fur, let alone sculpt the whole thing out xD However, other characters that catch my eyes are ones that have lots of detail and interesting traits.

Azysapphy

03-17-2007, 02:12 AM

I'm actually working on a character design sheet for a couple of characters of mine who don't have a set universe yet...twin sisters...and i intend to cosplay both of them at some point.

Original Characters are fun.

Faust-ni-gami

03-17-2007, 02:14 AM

I'm actually working on a character design sheet for a couple of characters of mine who don't have a set universe yet...twin sisters...and i intend to cosplay both of them at some point.

Original Characters are fun.

hm. a bit of advice on that would be to be wise about it. think about the design, then make sure the materials you have planned for it have the right effect.

JonnyStarwind

03-17-2007, 02:38 AM

I haven't cosplayed as an original character, but rather a character in a new light.
Check out my photos of my Death Bed Pip to get the reason behind it.
I chose to cosplay as the French merc. Pip Bernadette, but with a twist.
I decided to do how he looked just before Seras bit into him.

black shinigami

03-17-2007, 03:49 AM

Overall it depends on the designs of original characters, their purpose/origin and also personal taste. If someone designed a particular costume which is basically just a pink t-shirt and orange sweat pants and maybe a blue wig, I wouldn't really call that cosplay.

Cosplay generall has two parts: costume and roleplay so I think that each character you design, regardless of the what their purpose is should have a personality in which you should stick to while wearing that particular costume. I design alot of one-off costumes but when I wear them I believe that each one of my costumes have a personality, for example a very alternative geisha kimono I designed has a very cool personality so therefore when I wear it, I won't tend to smile or anything and act very elegant at the same time.

Yunalicia

03-17-2007, 04:00 AM

As long as you put genuine time and effort into creating and giving that character life I think it's ok. Unfortunately most people though on some random clothes, say "I'm this character but it's my own design" it's annoying and lame.

Tenkage-chan

03-17-2007, 01:22 PM

I'll be cosplaying a character I created based on the Fire Emblem games at ACen. Well, she's actually just my one interpretation of the game's tactician, but I think cosplaying an original character allows you a lot more freedom. For one, the costume design is entirely yours, so its creativity is also yours. Furthermore, your putting yourself in the character's place, which allows for more real emotion in photos and the cosplay, itself. Your heart is already in the character you created, and cosplaying them really allows that to show.

Tabby Catty

03-17-2007, 01:44 PM

Personally, I don't exactly wear original cosplays probably because I don't exactly think of them to be "worthwhile" to my budget and time than a cannon character.

But I don't mind original characters at all, as long as you put as much effort as you would a cannon character then yes.

HanakoWings

03-17-2007, 01:53 PM

Well, I'm a writter, and I tend to create rather colorfull characters. SOmeone told me they want to cosplay them, but I'm not so sure if that would be consider original characters or not, since they were not designed in mind for cosplay, but for a whole different purpose.

Volnixshin

03-17-2007, 02:08 PM

My original Cos, is the same name as my screen name, unfourtunatly it doesn't have the neccaesary underharment of blackness, so I just wear very dark clothing underneath, but I totally fleshed out the backround and story of my character. It is an evolving Cos after 4 years.

Jaina Solo

03-17-2007, 02:34 PM

I think cosplaying as an original character is a cool idea! It's along the lines of designing your own outfit, which is an incredibly creative outlet, so creating a costume around an original character is very cool. Even if no one knows who you are, you can still enjoy it knowing you were the creator of the character, and it'll give you an opportunity to pimp out your character. XD

Danzikumaru

03-17-2007, 02:46 PM

*

So long as it's not a Mary Sue and shows a liberal amount of creativity, I'm all for it.

*

Azysapphy

03-17-2007, 04:08 PM

hm. a bit of advice on that would be to be wise about it. think about the design, then make sure the materials you have planned for it have the right effect.

I've only started working on the designs...so it'll be a few years before the twins make their debut...once i get their designs solidified to where I don't want to alter the crap outta the outfits, then i'll start worrying about materials...

HanakoWings

03-17-2007, 04:13 PM

I'm working on the designs already. Although, some are kinda Mary Sueish, simply because the story spans for ten years. But meh. I like 'em so far. And the materials are easy to find

Nia

03-18-2007, 12:03 AM

I like them! I think they're really creative. I saw a girl with a lovely costume last year and when I asked her who she was cosplaying as she said it was an original character and I was really impressed. x3

I was even planning on doing an original character from my webcomic this year too, but I probably won't. He kind of looks like a jrocker so it might get mistaken for a random visual kei or something. *shrug* I'd still like to do it someday!

EverEvolvingGrl

03-18-2007, 12:31 AM

When ever I think of original cosplay I think of guys in Tripp pants and cat ears and of badly made lolita dresses with too much lace....
When I make a costume based off of my own original design, its not cosplay since i'm not playing any anime character
When a costume is made based off of an original character its not cosplay since its more like when people dress up and play D&D, its LARPing basically.
When I've seen the latter... it never really done that well, because alot of people lack design skills.
When I've see the former it reminds me more of dressing up for Halloween or historical costume replication.
But then again..... some call me a cosplay nazi so :D

Arienette

03-18-2007, 12:42 AM

*

So long as it's not a Mary Sue and shows a liberal amount of creativity, I'm all for it.

*

Haha. My friend is planning to purposely cosplay as a Mary Sue (a Naruto one, to be precise) for AX07. I do have to say it's a pretty creative costume, though -- think ninja meets glitter.

Plague Rabbit

03-18-2007, 12:55 AM

I'm actually toying with the idea of costuming as an original character of mine for the next convention I'm going to. I've been fleshing her character out lately and I think she has a really fun outfit. (Think rainbow gypsy. Then add some cowgirl and a teensy bit of cyberpunk. You're halfway there.)

I think cosplaying as an original character is great, especially when it goes above and beyond the generic catgirl/catboy on a leash or poorly executed lolita.

Nia

03-18-2007, 01:03 AM

When ever I think of original cosplay I think of guys in Tripp pants and cat ears and of badly made lolita dresses with too much lace....

Un, now that you remind me, I'm not too fond of THOSE original costumes so much. They're okay sometimes, but last year I saw so many original "neko" and dog cosplays that it kind of bored me. xD; But then again, I'm guilty of doing it myself because I got caught up in the hype and wanted to be involved as well. But yeah, I don't really want to do that again.

I think the cat cosplays are like the Naruto cosplays though. They are SO common now that I'm used to them and don't really notice them anymore.

Rat-Face

03-18-2007, 01:15 AM

Okaydee. ((I love posting in this particular chunk of the forum, I get so many different answers. ^ ^))

EverEvolvingGrl: Cosplay is not necessarily just anime or video games. That's what it is typically, but cosplay itself is the costumes, making the costumes, and, perhaps, the character. The word cosplay itself comes from costume play. ((Not being mean, just informative, sometimes I come across as snippy when you can't hear voice.))

For another thing I'd like to make clear or something. I don't know, I like sharing my brain- I have a character in mind, (I don't know WHY I don't include details like these at the beginning), and, no, she's not a cat or dog person, and there's no mesh involved. - - She's a character I wrote up, fleshed out, and have attempted to illustrate several times. This, unfortunately, doesn't work for me very often, because I am not an artist. (Real neat, actually, I'm proud of her.)

The costume is currently chunks of crushed velvet left over from an old halloween costume. My sister helped me figure out how to make it look more like a real costume, but I still need to work on it. ^ ^; ((looking at it reminds me a lot of, uh. *blink* the sci-fi channel, but I can fix.))

So, I suppose the issue lies in... Well, to be honest, there's not really a real one, I'm just nervous and was looking for assurance that no one would have a sudden desire to be mean when they looked at an attempt at an original character. ^ ^;

And thank you for the assurance, and good luck, everyone with your own endeavors.

KnuxieChan

03-18-2007, 01:53 AM

I'm not a fan of OCs, or "alternate" versions of characters. Like SnJ, cat-boys, "yaoi versions" (that usually wind up being WTF?)

They're over done. Unless you have a fantastic design for your OC, not too many people are gonna notice you.

ArchFaith

03-18-2007, 03:45 AM

As long as you put genuine time and effort into creating and giving that character life I think it's ok. Unfortunately most people though on some random clothes, say "I'm this character but it's my own design" it's annoying and lame.

Couldn't have said it better. I've seen amazing original cosplays...girls with giant angel wings, guys with painted trenchcoats, and just cute little colorful outfits. I mean, if someone wants to walk around in a wig and a kimono and say they're "Satomi Takahara from my original online manga Future Love" that's just fine. But I HATE HATE HATE when said person starts going on and on about their character and their universe, basically becoming their own Mary Sue or Gary Stu (fanfiction terms).

GraelynRose

03-18-2007, 03:55 AM

I don't know. I personally really don't mind original characters. It shows creativity. However, that is to a certain extent. I tend to dislike mary-sues and gary-stus. They are not fun. <_< It's pretty weird when someone comes up to a photoshoot claiming that they belong in that series when they clearly don't.

I did do an original character(vampire) once at Otakon. I didn't get any grief for it. In fact, I was glomped...and I still have no idea why. O.o I didn't even think it was that great of a costume.

Rat-Face

03-18-2007, 04:01 AM

Dumb question.

What's a Mary Sue/Gary Stu in fanfiction/cosplay terms? I know what it is in roleplay, but I can't seem to make it translate properly.

GraelynRose

03-18-2007, 04:07 AM

Dumb question.

What's a Mary Sue/Gary Stu in fanfiction/cosplay terms? I know what it is in roleplay, but I can't seem to make it translate properly.

To my knowledge, they are original characters placed in an already existing storyline (anime, manga, movie, etc.). They are most likely a character that the story will be based around making them one of the most powerful or influential people in the creator's imagination. Mary Sues and Gary Stus are also most likely to be paired with an already existing main character that the creator of said OCs fangirl/boy's over themselves.

ArchFaith

03-18-2007, 04:26 AM

Mary Sues/Gary Stus (although the female version is much more common!) is when a fanfic writer writes a really bad Inu-yasha/Naruto/Final Fantasy/popular series fanfic featuring an original character who is the child of/is in love with/is the new rival of one of the main characters. It's basically fangirls and fanboys living out their dream of putting themselves into their favorite series.

And it's really annoying! Haha OK, I admit I've done a Mary Sue before...but I never thought of cosplaying her...and I was 14 at the time...

Rat-Face

03-18-2007, 05:55 AM

Don't make fun of people who write those. *did. For a long time. Did well, too, and still gets complaints when the kids cry at the ending 'cos I never deleted my quizilla account, so there. Plus, one of the kids who read the first one wanted one for her. Sad part is, best stuff I've written, I haven't been able to do my own shite in ages.*

But no, this one's original. I like her. Did a lot of work on her, too. Story died. ><

robfalcon

03-18-2007, 10:49 AM

Is seeing them at cons inspiring or just annoying?

Personally i would much rather go to a con where every person there is doing their own original character, than see about 40 Naruto's :rolleyes:

What makes a good one? What makes a bad one? What kind of things would appeal to one as an original character?

I suppose effort and imagination will always constitute a good original cosplay, i think most people (myself included) think that the main thing that constitutes a bad one is outright lazyness. I.e. like the girl who goes to hot topic, buys a pair of cats ears, goes to a con wearing just the ears and some random normal street clothes from her wardrobe and just goes............umm.........ummm......well im cat lady.

But the concept of walking around in something I came up with, and is entirely fantastic (in the sense of fantasy), and so on and so forth- it terrifies me. ^ ^

What's anyone else think?

Im not sure why it would terrify you to be honest. Dont the majority of Anime cosplays look incredibly over flamboyant and far fetched to average joes on the street?. How does dressing up as a flamboyant character you yourself invented compared to wearing something Final Fantasy created feel any different from eachoter?. The only way i could relate to your concern is, if you might get cosplay elitists coming up to you and going "and errrmmm.....what are you supposed to be then?"

I personally think original cosplay is the best. I think it shows the players TRUE imagination abilities. Ive said this metaphor before and ill say it again, in my opinion, cosplayers who only do other peoples designs and never their own, are like a musical band who only play cover songs.

Volnixshin

03-18-2007, 12:15 PM

My new original Cos' went up in flames after a dispute with a "friend" so..yeah...

GraelynRose

03-18-2007, 01:55 PM

Don't make fun of people who write those. *did. For a long time. Did well, too, and still gets complaints when the kids cry at the ending 'cos I never deleted my quizilla account, so there. Plus, one of the kids who read the first one wanted one for her. Sad part is, best stuff I've written, I haven't been able to do my own shite in ages.*

But no, this one's original. I like her. Did a lot of work on her, too. Story died. ><

I'm not neccesarily making fun of Mary Sues/Gary Stus (people who insert themselves in an already existing story). It's just that it's really looked down upon in the fanfiction world because most of them are usually bad. Everything that the Mary Sue/Gary Stu does is usually important and great and everyone loves them.

I believe it is just a phase. I know I've written a couple Mary Sues when I first got into fanfiction. Or, at least the characters were so out of character that it seemed like that happened.

However, if you write your own original story that has nothing to do with existing anime, manga, movies, books, etc., then that wouldn't be considered a Mary Sue/Gary Stu. That is your own story so you can do whtever the hell you want with the characters you create.

ArchFaith

03-18-2007, 03:40 PM

Yeah, writing an original story is different from writing fanfics. Just saying...most Mary Sue fics are...really bad. That's just a fact of life!! I mean, I used to write one too, and that was really bad....she was the daughter of Aeris and Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, and she was all-powerful and good-looking besides....haha. Oh man, what was I doing...

ningyobaka

03-18-2007, 03:58 PM

none of my fanfic characters ever related to any character in any series i have ever done a fanfic for. nor are they completely flawless in physical apperance they usually have something wrong with them. but my favorite characters to do are ones when you read like their profile sumzation they sound like they are all powerful or should be and would fall under god mod like, but usually a personality trait prohibits them from using their full potential.

i don't know really where most people come off with saying all characters for fanfics and mary sues and all fanfics suck.

and i write completely orginal stories as much as i do fanfics. and i use that for all my stories fanfic or original. my only trait i seem to use alot according to my freinds is a tough female character. they freaked out when i did a cutesy school girl story.

Rat-Face

03-18-2007, 04:00 PM

... *grins* That's a terrific idea. ((That would be a sexy child, that would.))

Mine were Yu Yu Hakusho, and I actually kept story line and characters in place and personally, I think I did well in making one flawed and "slightly" psychotic. I made a bunch of fourteen-year-old girls cry when I killed her. ^ ^
And then my favorite one (I really need to reuse some of these chicks) was an insufferable do-gooder who couldn't bring herself to kill someone if her life depended on it.

Anyway- Thanks for the input. ^ ^ *feels much better*

Kirby-chan

03-18-2007, 04:41 PM

In my opinion, it's okay if you wanna cosplay as an origional character, but it has to be eyecatching. My first cosplay was an OC and I got no pictures and stuff, and I believe someone else thought I was a guy... my character and I were both female...

Raiji Magiwind

03-18-2007, 06:54 PM

I have no qualms about original characters, though like many have said before me here, it's a matter of putting ht ethought and effort behind the character. If you don't give the character a purpose or give that character a fun and interesting history, or just put thought into the character period, then why create it.
I myself have a number of Original characters whom I would love to do one day and they may very soon actually see light, as I am working on two of my OC characters to physically cosplay as. One is a male character I created named Xemrak, that part of a KH based RP chat and forum. Imagine a flare of Sephiroth (FFVII) with a pinch of Xenahort (KH) and dash of Zechs (Gundam Wing)...and wields aweapon that well lets just say I'd have to definatlly figure out how to pool together, as it is a scythe on one end and a claymore on the other...
I would like to do the two other facets of characters I use in this chat one day as well, whom are Vindrex (my fellow KH RP'ers call her the female Axel, but with a personality that easily flip into Larexene nastyness...) and Trelx (who looks like a demonic cross between Hiei, Ichigo from Bleach and a psycotic Roxas...he pretty much looks, act and dresses like a denezin of Halloween Town). The other one I am working on is my first OC, and the namesake of my online alias, Lady Araijiah Magiwindai (aka Lady Raiji or Raiji for short). She is the character I use in my RP'ing on Anime League, and is one of my oldest characters.

blueboy

03-18-2007, 07:14 PM

I am sorry but I am not a big fan of OC's, I just don't see it cosplay.

Seraphy

03-18-2007, 08:38 PM

I'm fine with any OCs as long as some time was put into the character and design. And as long as they're not characters that obviously change the storyline completely.

Danzikumaru

03-19-2007, 01:17 AM

Haha. My friend is planning to purposely cosplay as a Mary Sue (a Naruto one, to be precise) for AX07. I do have to say it's a pretty creative costume, though -- think ninja meets glitter.

Oh dear, I can see that ending hilariously. Naruto Mary sues are the best (or the worst, depends on how you look at it). You and your parody costumes, I swear to god...

*

Faust-ni-gami

03-19-2007, 01:22 AM

I'm just doing one for comedic, not creative purposes... That's it, really. And he's got a bankai.

Ludger03

03-19-2007, 01:28 AM

I got my own chracter and my own story. Actually my chracter is a teenager who wants to be a rockstar and debut his band over the battle of the bands. (gee, im so crazy to come up with a plot already XD). Anyway, i would want to cosplay him. i got a picture if anyone is interested to see, i can post it. XD

Rat-Face

03-19-2007, 01:38 AM

Let's see it.

allthatsgeek

03-19-2007, 01:15 PM

I've voiced my opinion on a previous thread on this subject, but what the heck, for S&G's. I personally /loathe/ the idea of cosplaying an "original character". Nobody besides your little fanficcie friends are going to know just what the hell you are, and really, I don't care if it's the best damn costume in the history of costumes (which would be a klingon-ninja-gundam that wails on a giant electric guitar that unsheathes into a sword to smite nazis, pirates,emos, hippies, indie kids, and Straight edge kids btw.) I still frankely don't care. nobody cares. you might care, but who are you? nobody.

GraelynRose

03-19-2007, 01:26 PM

I've voiced my opinion on a previous thread on this subject, but what the heck, for S&G's. I personally /loathe/ the idea of cosplaying an "original character". Nobody besides your little fanficcie friends are going to know just what the hell you are, and really, I don't care if it's the best damn costume in the history of costumes (which would be a klingon-ninja-gundam that wails on a giant electric guitar that unsheathes into a sword to smite nazis, pirates,emos, hippies, indie kids, and Straight edge kids btw.) I still frankely don't care. nobody cares. you might care, but who are you? nobody.

Hahaha! Harsh man!

There is a way though. One way is if you spend so much time creating your character and the story they're a part of that you actually make a little comic of your own and strive to make it one of the most popular ones on the internet. Have people all over the world read it, comment on it, and memorize all the characters in your story. And...take over the internet with your fantastic glory! But taht might take a while...

Also, another way is to actually submit a comic to Tokyopop or whatever that rising manga star thing is. Try to make it amazing and get famous and cosplay as your own character. It might be obscure, but at least if it's published, some people might recognize it. XD

allthatsgeek

03-19-2007, 01:31 PM

Hahaha! Harsh man!

There is a way though. One way is if you spend so much time creating your character and the story they're a part of that you actually make a little comic of your own and strive to make it one of the most popular ones on the internet. Have people all over the world read it, comment on it, and memorize all the characters in your story. And...take over the internet with your fantastic glory! But taht might take a while...

Also, another way is to actually submit a comic to Tokyopop or whatever that rising manga star thing is. Try to make it amazing and get famous and cosplay as your own character. It might be obscure, but at least if it's published, some people might recognize it. XD

Not harsh. BRUTAL.

But at that point it would cease to be an "original character" and be a "lesser known" character, sure it will be original to her since she created it, but that would be the same as Tite Kubo cosplaying Ichigo or Shinichiro Watanabe cosplaying Spike Spiegel, and that's just all sorts of odd.

TR Rose

03-19-2007, 02:36 PM

The only original-character cosplay I've done had a purpose - I invented the character for an audition for "Who Wants to be a Superhero?", where the point was to make an original-character costume.

Will I wear it to a convention? Probably not.
Do I have pictures in my gallery? Of course.

I am personally not a fan of original characters. If you have your heart set on being the character from your RP/LARP/D&D game, I won't stop you. I've seen some neat original characters and snapped their photos. But I think there's a difference between types of OCs. You'll have the elaborate, fantastic, highly-detailed original creations, and then you'll have people who didn't feel like finishing a costume they started so they turned it into an "original character".

There's a difference between "original faerie-winged unicorn goddess" and "original Pokemon trainer", y'know? One is obviously wearing a costume, and the other person is a Hot Topic shopper with a Pokeball on their belt.

My stance on original characters, and any cosplay for that matter, follows what I call the McDonald's standard:

If you can wear the costume to McDonald's during the dinner rush, and you don't get a single strange look, then you're not wearing enough of a costume.

GraelynRose

03-19-2007, 02:41 PM

My stance on original characters, and any cosplay for that matter, follows what I call the McDonald's standard:

If you can wear the costume to McDonald's during the dinner rush, and you don't get a single strange look, then you're not wearing enough of a costume.

Hahaa! I did that on Halloween! I was dressed as Sadako and got all kinds of weird looks. It was great!

ningyobaka

03-19-2007, 02:41 PM

My stance on original characters, and any cosplay for that matter, follows what I call the McDonald's standard:

If you can wear the costume to McDonald's during the dinner rush, and you don't get a single strange look, then you're not wearing enough of a costume.

lol, lol, i love that that's awesome.

Rat-Face

03-19-2007, 02:55 PM

allthatsgeek: Okay, so I can see where you're coming from on the "no one knows who the hell you are" point.
But that's still not really fair. The goal isn't necessarily to be recognized.

TR Rose: The character itself doesn't have to be a D&D or LARP or Mary Sue or Gary Stu, either. You're assuming the worst out of anyone that would wear it.

Another point to make to the one that mentioned that cosplaying a character you created and made popular... Uh, technically, that's still an OC. Sorry, I just felt like arguing.

And... Do people seriously wear normal clothes and call it an OC? Jeez! Shame be on their houses!

Sincerely, why hate on someone that happened to not want to wear something someone else came up with and wanted to wear something they invented? People invent things because they don't like what's already there, or they think it could be better. So there.

allthatsgeek

03-19-2007, 03:02 PM

allthatsgeek: Okay, so I can see where you're coming from on the "no one knows who the hell you are" point.
But that's still not really fair. The goal isn't necessarily to be recognized.

Another point to make to the one that mentioned that cosplaying a character you created and made popular... Uh, technically, that's still an OC. Sorry, I just felt like arguing.

ok, I see your point, and I'm not gonna hate because you enjoy arguing, hell I think I'm getting a bad reputation just because I love playing devils advocate, so it's all good with me. I do understand how it would be considered an OC if you cosplay a popular character you create, like if the PA guys dress up as Gabe and Tycho (which I know they don't) but.....ok that just gave me an idea ::writes it down:: anyway, if it's widely popular, then it isn't REALLY the same, sure you CREATED the character, but it's WIDELY popular, thus yes an original character to YOU, but to everyone else its just "insert character from somewhere everyone knows here" blah blah blah im tired.

Ludger03

03-19-2007, 03:55 PM

WHat i dont like when people dont take the time to actually be creative and do an OC, instead just creating one and insert it to a popular anime or series.

To tell you the truth one of my goals is publushing my comic, but it has been hold back due of school and stuff. plus i got alot of researche to do before i step into a big league. but this not really on topic, so sorry about that ^^"

ArchFaith

03-19-2007, 05:06 PM

There's a difference between "original faerie-winged unicorn goddess" and "original Pokemon trainer", y'know? One is obviously wearing a costume, and the other person is a Hot Topic shopper with a Pokeball on their belt.

My stance on original characters, and any cosplay for that matter, follows what I call the McDonald's standard:

If you can wear the costume to McDonald's during the dinner rush, and you don't get a single strange look, then you're not wearing enough of a costume.

I couldn't have it better myself! Love your McDonald's Rule, by the way...and I can totally see where you're coming from. It's one thing to dress up as a random schoolgirl, but another to say that you're an OC from your online manga. I also hate it when people combine elements of two characters in a bad way, like making a Cloud/Sephiroth clone and saying that it's their original character.

Just for the record, I decided to go look up some original character costumes that I thought were quite good. Here are some that I think look really nice (apologies if these are your cosplays...just tell me if you want me to take them down!):
http://www.cosplaylab.com/lab/9211-146626.jpg
http://www.cosplaylab.com/lab/436-149680.jpg
http://www.cosplaylab.com/lab/20271-139054.jpg
Those are only small cross-sections of what I think constitutes good OC cosplay. I had to wade through literally pages of blah and uninspiring schoolgirl and lolita outfits to find those, though...I mean, if a cosplayer wants attention and they want an original outfit, it has to stand out well. If they don't care about attention that's alright, because most of the con will ignore them anyway. I sound really mean here, but it all boils down to whether the cosplayer cares about that or not. In short, do whatever you want! ^.^

Danzikumaru

03-19-2007, 05:13 PM

I've voiced my opinion on a previous thread on this subject, but what the heck, for S&G's. I personally /loathe/ the idea of cosplaying an "original character". Nobody besides your little fanficcie friends are going to know just what the hell you are, and really, I don't care if it's the best damn costume in the history of costumes (which would be a klingon-ninja-gundam that wails on a giant electric guitar that unsheathes into a sword to smite nazis, pirates,emos, hippies, indie kids, and Straight edge kids btw.) I still frankely don't care. nobody cares. you might care, but who are you? nobody.

People don't cosplay for other people, they cosplay for themselves. It doesn't matter if anyone knows the source material, let your costume do the talking. I, for one, even if I don't know what it's from, will ALWAYS appreciate a well made costume.

*

Spookloops

03-19-2007, 07:00 PM

Note: I posted this in another OC thread, but no one posted after me, so it's a dead thread. I've moved my post over here - I hope no one minds. I apologise in advance that this is a long post!!

I've read the thread and saw some points that adress some of my concerns but not others, so I want to throw my thoughts on the table and see what comes back. I welcome honesty, and I'm not sensitive, so if you hate my idea, have at it. Just be grown up about it. I welcome your thoughts, either way.

Ok, I've read where people are against "inventing" a character for a series. How about a series where aside from the primary characters, the remaining characters constantly change?

Here's the deal. I love doing Petshop of Horrors cosplay. I have just one costume complete so far since I've just "debuted" as a serious cosplayer, but I plan on doing many more at a similar skill level (but hopefully higher - always room for improvement! ) to the one in my gallery. I enjoy working on the pets because the skill level involved and the diversity of skills/styles needed. Other than about 5 regular pets, pets in the background change constantly from one manga to the next, from one panel to the next.

I visited my terminally ill father recently. It was the first time I had seen him in almost a decade, and I told and showed him a lot of stuff so that he could get to know me more, and showed him my cosplay notebook. He seemed really proud of it and really enjoyed as I explained that a lot of the pets in PoH are from various cultures. I asked if there was any culture or place that he would have enjoyed seeing if he had had the chance, and he said "Tibet". Because of this, I want to do a cosplay dedicated to my dad, whether he hangs in there long enough to see it or not. I

'm now working on a Tibetan design since that's what he said he'd like to see. There is a Tibetan pet in PoH, an albino Llasa Apso, but the design doesn't grab me. I researched other animals important to Tibet, Tibetan designs and culture and am doing something based from that... so it would be an original character, but sort of "from" a series since the idea would be a pet from The Petshop.... I have no intention of entering any contest with this proposed cosplay, but I do plan on putting everything I have into it as far as effort and skill goes, so I was wondering what people thought of an original cosplay.. that's original, but kind of goes with something?

I hope this all made sense - my brain is still really muddled from this whole ordeal. I'm doing this cosplay regardless of what anyone says because it's significant to me, but I am curious to know how people would feel about an original character that's not "from" something... but kind of is. I guess "inserted", as one person called it, but without any impact on the story or anything.

Thanks for reading this really long post, and thanks for your input. I truly appreciate it.

ArchFaith

03-19-2007, 07:07 PM

Spookloops: You see, I think that your original cosplay actually has some thought and meaning behind it...you're doing your research, and your costume is going to have a special meaning behind it. I looked in your gallery, and from what I saw, whatever costume you make will look amazing. It's different from just slapping on a schoolgirl skirt or a ninja outfit and going as a fan-made character from an already existing manga.

I'm really into this thread for some reason, and I never really thought much about OCs before!

Rat-Face

03-19-2007, 07:59 PM

Spookloops: Hell <bleep>in' yeah!

Spookloops

03-20-2007, 09:06 AM

ArchFaith and Rat-Face: Thank you very much for taking the time to comment and your input. I greatly appreciate it very much. ArchFaith, thanks for looking in my gallery and your compliment!

Heidi

03-20-2007, 10:19 AM

There's nothing wrong with creating and making your own original characters and costume designs. ^_^ I think it lets you expand your creativity, since it doesn't limit you by requiring you to replicate an already existing concept.

I've got a couple original design costumes I've done, and one I'm working on right now. While (most likely) no one will know who or what you are, you can not only be proud of your work, but your idea as well. :)

I have a string of original characters based on a photographer...when I'm attending a cosplay convention and shooting away. :bigtu:

ChicoChan

03-21-2007, 03:26 PM

I think it's wonderful if they're well executed. I'm going to be cosplaying this later on in the year ----> http://www.deviantart.com/deviation/50976390/

It's great as long as it's not "hey look i threw on a rave outfit and cat ears."

Kat Murz

03-26-2007, 07:55 PM

Agreed, if the costumes are very well done then its awesome to see OC’s since its something that person created. But people who throw on cat ears or a ninja head band with their normal clothing and says it’s an original….no... just please no.
After prodding from my friends that they want me to do one of my own costumes (I wanted to be a costumes designer…now I’m an English/theater student heading towards Law >.<) I’m making one or two costumes form my in prog./ novel Carnevale di Venezia. It takes place in about the 16th century Venice during the Carnival. If you haven’t seen the Venice carnival costumes, go look it up, their amazing!! I’m making the lead lady’s carnival gown…one of them. I’ve designed two thus far that I really love.

I think their pretty detailed and should be received decently…I hope ^^

(My scanners broken so I hade to use my camera to get these, their just my idea sketches anyways. >.<, d,oh!)

ningyobaka

03-26-2007, 08:13 PM

they r goergeous.

Azysapphy

03-26-2007, 10:29 PM

Kat Murz, those are incredible sketches. When you get the costumes made, I'm almost certain that you will have a ton of people asking you about your costumes...the amount of details you have on your sketches...all i wanna know is what colors are you gonna use for which parts? *Grin*

Kat Murz

03-26-2007, 10:40 PM

aww, thank you both! *blush* Not positive on the color. I have a thread in the other costume section asking for help choseing a scheme ^__^; In the novel everytime Electra shows up her dresses change colors so they could be almost any color lol.

Bahzi

03-26-2007, 10:46 PM

I can't see myself ever doing an original cosplay because I like being recognized by other cosplayers and by the anime con going public, and because I can't draw worth crap and make up my own designs or characters, lol, but more power to those who do...well, to those who do it well anyway. Like Danzikumaru said, I can always appreciate a well done costume!

linkluver6

03-26-2007, 10:53 PM

Agreed, if the costumes are very well done then its awesome to see OC’s since its something that person created. But people who throw on cat ears or a ninja head band with their normal clothing and says it’s an original….no... just please no.
After prodding from my friends that they want me to do one of my own costumes (I wanted to be a costumes designer…now I’m an English/theater student heading towards Law >.<) I’m making one or two costumes form my in prog./ novel Carnevale di Venezia. It takes place in about the 16th century Venice during the Carnival. If you haven’t seen the Venice carnival costumes, go look it up, their amazing!! I’m making the lead lady’s carnival gown…one of them. I’ve designed two thus far that I really love.

I think their pretty detailed and should be received decently…I hope ^^

(My scanners broken so I hade to use my camera to get these, their just my idea sketches anyways. >.<, d,oh!)

*squeals* WOW TOTALLY WOW!

I am also going to cosplay as my own character from my own novel I hope to have finished and put out completely published this year

what a way for self advertisement right!!!:bigtu: :rockon:

tsuoi_kaze

03-26-2007, 10:55 PM

Agreed, if the costumes are very well done then its awesome to see OC’s since its something that person created. But people who throw on cat ears or a ninja head band with their normal clothing and says it’s an original….no... just please no.
After prodding from my friends that they want me to do one of my own costumes (I wanted to be a costumes designer…now I’m an English/theater student heading towards Law >.<) I’m making one or two costumes form my in prog./ novel Carnevale di Venezia. It takes place in about the 16th century Venice during the Carnival. If you haven’t seen the Venice carnival costumes, go look it up, their amazing!! I’m making the lead lady’s carnival gown…one of them. I’ve designed two thus far that I really love.

I think their pretty detailed and should be received decently…I hope ^^

(My scanners broken so I hade to use my camera to get these, their just my idea sketches anyways. >.<, d,oh!)

Those are amazing *o*

Rat-Face

03-27-2007, 04:40 AM

Holy shit, Kat. That's a-bloody-mazing.

Alessa

03-27-2007, 05:03 AM

Agreed, if the costumes are very well done then its awesome to see OC’s since its something that person created. But people who throw on cat ears or a ninja head band with their normal clothing and says it’s an original….no... just please no.
After prodding from my friends that they want me to do one of my own costumes (I wanted to be a costumes designer…now I’m an English/theater student heading towards Law >.<) I’m making one or two costumes form my in prog./ novel Carnevale di Venezia. It takes place in about the 16th century Venice during the Carnival. If you haven’t seen the Venice carnival costumes, go look it up, their amazing!! I’m making the lead lady’s carnival gown…one of them. I’ve designed two thus far that I really love.

I think their pretty detailed and should be received decently…I hope ^^

I tend to not want to do anything BUT original characters when I cosplay. I know Indiana Jones isn't that original, but I see maybe 5 or 6 of them if I see any others at all at the Cons I go to. This awash in a sea of Tifas, Clouds, Narutos, etc. I don't like to do costumes that are overdone, which is one of the reasons I want to put a Spirit costume together for this year's con, simply because I saw NO other people cosplaying as The Spirit last year.

Kat Murz

03-27-2007, 10:08 PM

aww Yumeko don't feel bad about giving a suggestion! *hug* I'm actually really looking for ideas for the colors to make the dress in so its definatly welcome by me! ^___^ Glad you like my designs, thank you!

Cadmium Polyphony

03-27-2007, 10:12 PM

...I want to put a Spirit costume together for this year's con, simply because I saw NO other people cosplaying as The Spirit last year.

Hopefully whatever con you do that at, I'll be at, so I'm fortunate enough to see that outfit in the flesh.

Yumeko

03-27-2007, 10:18 PM

aww Yumeko don't feel bad about giving a suggestion! *hug* I'm actually really looking for ideas for the colors to make the dress in so its definatly welcome by me! ^___^ Glad you like my designs, thank you!

You're very welcome ^__^ and I can't wait to see the gown when it's done

Foxchick

03-28-2007, 03:18 PM

I've been planning on cosplaying as my original characters ^^, they're really easy costumes though (one of my characters is a nurse *he's a guy nurse* so I'd wear scrubs for his out fit XD).

HanakoWings

03-31-2007, 06:57 PM

I have one! loki 2.0 from a mini webcomic I'm working on! I just got the idea from thin air once, and I really wanted to do the costume, so I decided to make a web comic. XD. That way, if anyone wanted pics and stuff, they could just go check it out and read it. it's fast passed and tiny, simply because it's an actual filler comic for my original comic. I just didn't want anyone to take the user name I wanted so I got my domain earlier.